Whether you live in the Mile High City or want to explore your options around the country, the Denver area is a terrific place to earn a college education. Around Denver, you will find both urban delights like a vibrant downtown and nightlife, as well as rural areas with all sorts of outdoor activities.

If you are considering going to college in Denver, there are also many schools to consider depending on the degree you wish to pursue. Check out this list curated by Test Prep Score to get a preliminary idea about your college options in Denver.

The University of Denver

Ranked among the top 100 colleges in the United States, the University of Denver is a solid choice for studious minds. As the oldest research university in the Rocky Mountain Region, the school has high expectations for its students. Though the school states they do not have a minimum GPA for acceptance, the average admitted student in the Fall of 2022 had a 3.82 average.

Recently, the University of Denver became a test-optional school. However, if you do choose to send in test scores, the average combined SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) score for admitted Fall 2022 students was 1,327.

On campus, students are sure to find a community to call their own. The school boasts over 11,000 active students, both undergraduate and graduate, as well as over 100 clubs and organizations. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’re in luck. The University of Denver is home to 720 acres of wilderness adjacent to the Roosevelt National Forest, the perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and so much more. In the wintertime, the school holds its First Snow Celebration, with hot chocolate and snowball fights to celebrate the first snowfall of the school year.

The Colorado School of Mines

Are you a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) student looking for a place with like-minded people to foster your higher education? Look no further than the Colorado School of Mines, one of the best STEM-focused public research schools in the area. Ranked the fourth best engineering college in the country by Money Magazine and No.12 out of the top 25 universities in America by Forbes Magazine, students will quickly call the School of Mines home.

It is a rigorous school that focuses heavily on hands-on experiences for its students and puts a heavy emphasis on setting you up for the rest of your career. 95% of undergraduates secured a job in their field, along with 96% of graduate students, and 99% of Ph.D. recipients.

For a school this committed to helping their students, what do they look for in prospects? This past fall, the middle 50% of students accepted to the Colorado School of Mines had a GPA of 3.81 and an SAT score of 1,340-1,490. The School of Mines is test-optional, but your scores could bolster your application if you feel they are strong enough. They also recommend that you take 2 units of electives related to STEM, as well as AP (Advanced Placement) courses like AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Calculus, or AP Chemistry.

As an Oredigger — the School of Mine’s nickname for its students — you will find a safe and vibrant campus in Golden, just a 25-minute drive from Denver. Golden is home to a bustling art community, as well as restaurants, boutiques, music festivals, and so much more. Like everywhere else in the gorgeous state of Colorado, students have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy near Golden. From hiking trails to skiing and snowboarding areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.

The University of Colorado—Boulder

Welcome to CU Boulder, a school consistently ranked as one of the top 100 schools in the country. Here you will find a diverse range of students majoring in a diverse range of subjects, from aerospace engineering and environmental design to international affairs and ethnic studies. You will also find a well-rounded college experience at the University of Colorado Boulder, with its vibrant Greek life, athletics programs, and clubs. If you are looking for a large school to spread your wings, CU Boulder might be the place for you.

The school has a student body of over 35,000 and has a reputation as one of the largest party schools in the state. Despite this reputation, admission to CU Boulder is moderately selective. Students admitted had an average GPA of 3.58, a 1,250 SAT score, or a 28 ACT score.

The University of Colorado Boulder is just a 30-mile drive from Denver, but Boulder contains everything you would want in a college town. Go shopping or out to eat on Pearl Street, embrace the local music scene, explore the nightlife at bars and clubs, or venture out into the wilderness. There’s something for everyone at such a vibrant and diverse campus as CU Boulder.

The University of Colorado—Denver

Located in bustling downtown Denver, you get the best of both worlds living in an urban environment, and never being more than a short car ride away from Earth’s natural beauty. Around campus, there are restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, retail shops, and outdoor concert venues, all within walking distance! In terms of academics, CU Denver ranks high on the list of top colleges in the nation. Forbes Magazine rated it No.34 on their list of top public colleges in 2009.

Their music business program was ranked No.11 by Billboard Magazine in 2014, and in 2021, they were ranked No.113 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Reports. If you are not sure what you want to major in, CU Denver grants undergraduates a wealth of different opportunities. With 41 different degree programs available, we guarantee you will discover a path that will fuel your career aspirations.

The University of Colorado Denver is likely the least selective school on this list. Admitted students reported an average GPA of 3.5 and an SAT score of 1,100 or an ACT score of 23. Despite their lesser requirements, you will receive a stellar, comprehensive education at CU Boulder. Students also enjoy over 100 clubs and organizations, Greek life, a wide range of sports and recreational activities, and campus events to connect the large and diverse student body.

Find the School for You with Test Prep Score

For many students across the country, trimming down your college list to several schools ranks among the most difficult hurdles in the college admission process. Even if you narrow down the area you want to study in, there are so many options to choose from. Make the choice clearer by using Test Prep Score. Our tutors will help you prepare for the challenges of high school standardized tests and narrow down which schools are best for you. Visit us at Test Prep Score to start preparing for your undergraduate future.